Outlining

Outlines can help you determine what ideas you already have for your paper as well
as what further planning and research you still need to complete. Also, outlines
can help writers make connections between ideas. Begin by writing or typing down
your topic at the top of a page. Then, write or type three main level headings (A,B,C)
under the main topic. Fill in the three main areas of your paper (A,B,C). Next,
write or type in the next level of headings (1,2,3) under “A,” “B,”
and “C.” Fill in “1,” “2,” and “3.”

There may be some time in between writing the main level (A,B,C) and the next level
(1,2,3) headings. You may complete a rough outline (main level headings), and then
draft a more complete outline (main level and next level headings) as you begin
the writing process. You can use a detailed outline to check the logic and completeness
of your ideas.

In the example below, you can see a writer interested in writing a paper about first
language acquisition developing a rough outline.

First Language Acquisition

A. Morphological and Grammatical Acquisition

B. Acquisition of Vocabulary

C. Phonological Acquisition

This writer decided that she needed to complete research to fill out her outline
and possibly narrow her topic.